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From Discovery and CruisingTo Advanced Mountaineering Expedition
Between Wulkuraka and Yarraman in southern Queensland is the remnants of the Brisbane Valley rail line, constructed over 29 years between 1884 and 1913. The steam locomotives have long gone, replaced by cyclists following the same path. The conversion of the rail line to a cycle trail took a little less time, about 11 years with completion in 2018, only possible through the dedication and hard work of locals keen to showcase this special region of Australia. At 161km in length, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail (BVRT) qualifies as the longest rail trail in the country. Our cycle tour starts at the top of the range, giving you an easy start downhill to the plains of the Brisbane Valley and back to Wulkuraka over three days. The cycling is on mixed surfaces of gravel, dirt and asphalt and is achievable for anyone of reasonable fitness and cycling ability. Along the route you'll pass through prime agricultural land, a rugged mountain range and forests of Blackbutt, Hoop Pine and Cedar. Stops at historical townships with good coffee and bakery treats, interesting museums and friendly pubs are all part of the BVRT experience. At night, stay in comfortable accommodation and soak up the atmosphere of country Queensland towns. With all your logistics taken care of including transfers, bike hire, luggage transfers and accommodation bookings, all you need to do is enjoy the cycle day and take in the expansive scenery of this truly outstanding route.
34kg of CO2-e PP per day
(102kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Day 1
Arrive Ipswich
On arrival, make your way to your hotel in the centre of town. Ipswich is easy to reach by train from central Brisbane - there are regular services taking 60 minutes. The remainder of the day is free to explore Ipswich. To set the mood for your rail trail experience, why not visit the Workshops Rail Museum with its exhibits of locomotives. You can also visit the art gallery, Queens Park or take in the cafes, restaurants and shops at 'Top of Town' on the historic part of Brisbane Street. Dinner at leisure.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Transfer to Yarraman, collect bike then hit the trail for an easy downhill to Linville (43km)
Early this morning (usually at 6.30am sharp during summer/8:30am during winter) you will meet with our local partner for a transfer that will take you from your hotel to the township of Yarraman, the northern end of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, approximately two hours north west of Ipswich. The transfer through the Brisbane Valley is a scenic drive through rural areas with sweeping views of the ranges as you cross the Brisbane River along its upper reaches. This is prime agricultural land and even with the ever increasing urban sprawl of Brisbane and Ipswich it still produces a lot of produce for the Brisbane market. By the time we reach the town of Blackbutt the primary reason for the rail systems construction is on display. This is timber country with huge hardwood trees, one species giving its name to the town of Blackbutt, but there are also huge stands of Hoop pine, cedars and other quality timber. The steam locomotives have long gone and are now replaced by cyclists following the same path. Our cycle tour starts at the top of the range giving you an easy start downhill to the plains of the Brisbane Valley and back to Wulkuraka over three days. Today you cycle from Yarraman to Linville. An ideal lunch spot is in Blackbutt which is only a leisurely 19km along the trail, and has a terrific bakery selling pies. Continuing from here, the route takes you down into the Benarkin State Forest, a scenic section of the trail with impressive views. At the foot of the ranges is the small town of Linville, with its historic station and railway carriages a reminder that you are on an old rail trail. Overnight Linville ascent: 182m, descent: 478m *The transfer this morning is from your hotel in Ipswich. If you have your car and prefer to drive to Wulkuraka, you can be picked up from the trailhead carpark instead, located at 163 Grace Street, Wulkuraka. The drive between Ipswich and Wulkuraka is less than 10 minutes. This option means that when you finish on day 4 you will be able to drive straight from Wulkuraka rather than first catching the train back to Ipswich. Please let us know if you prefer this option at the time of booking.
Day 3
Cycle south from Linville to Esk with lunch stop in Toogoolawah (54km)
From Linville you still have around 128 kilometres of the 161km trail to cover and today you’ll be cycling to Esk passing though the towns of Moore and Toogoolawah. Along the way you will notice a number of sign-posted locations that were once rail stops but now stand as little more than punctuation marks on a rail history long gone. The township of Moore is just 7 kilometres from your start in Linville this morning and is an ideal place to stop for a coffee. You’ll then pass through the heritage listed Yimbun Tunnel, the only tunnel constructed on the entire line and a classic photo opportunity. The township of Toogoolawah is a further 27km from Moore and conveniently located as a great lunch and rest spot. You can spend a little time exploring this classic Queensland country town before heading off on the last leg for the day - a further 19 kilometres to Esk. The small town of Esk has become popular with day-trippers from Brisbane, Ipswich and surrounding areas. Esk is the gateway town into the region and most people stop here for a bite to eatat one of the great cafes, to browse the shops or to simply take a break before heading north. Just west of the town are the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range rising to the Ravensbourne National Park and a number of cyclists and others have reported deer sightings in their travels which explains some of the deer paraphernalia you may see in town. Overnight Esk. ascent: 242m, descent: 270m
Meals: B
Day 4
Cycle Esk to Wulkuraka via Lowood and Fernvale (67km)
This is the last day in the saddle but with around 65 kilometres remaining you still have some great cycling ahead. If you are looking for good coffee and a big breakfast Esk won’t disappoint. There are a couple of great cafes that open early and welcome cyclists. The whole rail trail enterprise has been warmly welcomed by businesses in the region who have seen not only the economic benefits of rail tourism but also how it has raised the profile of the region. From Esk you will spend the day cycling back to Wulkuraka. It is an easy ride along well maintained cycle trails passing through the towns of Coominya, a possible morning tea stop, then onto Lowood and Fernvale. Each town has a range of lunch break options. On arrival in Wulkuraka, you will be met for the bike and luggage handover, then the trip will conclude. From Wulkuraka it's an easy train trip back to Ipswich or into Brisbane. If you would prefer to be transferred back to Ipswich after the bike handover in Wulkuraka please let us know and this can be arranged. ascent: 297m, descent: 377m
What's included
What's not included
The bicycles we provide are a Hardtail Mountain Bike and are available in a range of sizes. You will be supplied with a helmet, bike lock, bike rack with one side pannier, basic repair kit, and a water bottle cage affixed to the bike. Generally, we use TREK Marlin 6 bikes as they are best suited to the trail.
Electric Bikes are available for hire at an additional cost and are available in a range of sizes. You will be supplied with the same accessories as with standard mountain bike hire. Generally, we use TREK Allant 7+ Low Step E-bike.
There is a variety of trail surfaces to be experienced on the BVRT. Compacted dirt surfaces are common on the trail but also sections of soft dirt, where care needs to be taken, particularly after rain.
Well graded gravel sections are featured throughout the route. Throughout the trip you will need to cycle across cattle/stock grids and care should be taken during these. There are also steep gullies where it is recommended that you dismount your bike.
You’ll spend 3 nights in clean and comfortable 2-3 star hotels. The rooms are spacious, clean, double/twin rooms, most of which have ensuite facilities (the only option in Linville has shared bathrooms). The hotels are well located, close to town and the bike path.
This self guided trip involves 3 days of undulating, dedicated cycle trails. Daily cycling distance varies from 43km to 67km. The Rail Trail is usually gently undulating, with a few longer ascents that on completion you are rewarded with stunning views. The Rail Trail path is shared between walkers and horse riders, but is free from road traffic. The trail surface is made up of either gravel or dirt which can sometimes be soft and therefore requires care. Some short sections are more challenging as the gravel is coarse and rocky, and there are steep gulleys where it is recommended that you dismount your bike. The trail is best suited to mountain bikes - we provide hard tail mountain bikes, or you can pay a supplement for an e-bike.
Per Person, Twin Share
The luggage transfer is limited to one bag per person, weighing less than 15kg per person. If you have excess luggage you will need to leave this in Ipswich.
Our local partner may be able to pick you up if you are sick or injured. However additional costs will apply and these MUST be paid locally to the transfer driver.
There are plenty of options to leave your car in Ipswich. At most hotels that we work with it is possible to leave your car at the hotel (a parking fee will apply, payable directly to the hotel). There is also plenty of street parking.
If you have your car you may prefer to drive to Wulkuraka early on the morning of day 2 so you can be picked up from the train station instead of your hotel in Ipswich. The drive between Ipswich and Wulkuraka is less than 10 minutes. This option means that when you finish on day 4 you will be able to drive straight from Wulkuraka rather than first catching the train back to Ipswich. Please let us know if you prefer this option at the time of booking.
Ipswich is approximately 31 kilometres from Brisbane. The drive will take approximately 30 minutes.
There is a direct train departing from Brisbane Central station, platform 5 station, and arriving at Ipswich station, platform 1 station. Services depart every 15 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 58 min and costs $5-7.
Alternatively, there is a direct bus departing from Brisbane and arriving at Ipswich. Services depart twice daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 42 min and costs $5.
Visit https://translink.com.au/seq for further information.
At the end of the trip you will meet our local partner at Wulkuraka train station. Here you will handover your hire bike and be given your luggage. From here you can take a train back to Ipswich or Brisbane from Wulkuraka Station.
The train from Wulkuraka to Ipswich departs hourly and takes 5 minutes.
The train from Wulkuraka to Brisbane departs hourly and takes 75 minutes.
Yes, you need to be a capable cyclist. You will cover between 43km to 67km in a day. Most of the cycling is along the dedicated cycle path. The Rail Trail path is shared between walkers and horse riders, but is free from road traffic. The trail surface is made up of either gravel or dirt which can sometimes be soft and therefore requires care.
The trail is best suited to mountain bikes - we provide hard tail mountain bikes, or you can pay a supplement for an e-bike.
Yes, you can use your own bike if you prefer. Let us know at the time of booking and a small discount will be applied.
If you are travelling in Australia during the months of August and November you may encounter some swooping magpies. Only a small percentage of mapgies will swoop during the mating season and they generally only protect a small area. Areas with swooping magpies are generally signposted and it is recommend that you walk rather than cycle through these areas. Some people will attach cable ties, reflective streamers or googly eyes to their helmet during the months of August to November. We recommend wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes, and wearing a cap or legionnaire's hat under your helmet. Or you can also look at purchasing a PieProof helmet for additional peace of mind. https://pieproof.com.au/
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Australia you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.
Our team is passionate about cycling and their extensive knowledge and experience means you get the very best advice - every time. We will help you tailor the right cycling itinerary for you.
Expect first-class and flexible support both on and off the trail. We've sourced the highest quality bikes and most authentic accommodations so you can enjoy a stress free cycling trip.
By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.
Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.
Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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